Buzz the Hornet and the Horizon Eagle boosted energy during the Mad Dash Pep Rally at Madison Elementary School. Also lifting school spirit were the cheerleaders from James Clemens High School (at back of photo). (RECORD PHOTO/GREGG PARKER)

MADISON – The Mad Dash Fun Run at Madison Elementary School not only generated needed funds but also presented a venue for collaborative work and neighborly camaraderie.

The Fun Run is Madison elementary’s primary fundraiser for the 2015-2016 school year. This year’s goal of $25,000 will help Madison elementary to purchase new technology resources and will support PTA programs.

Many parents volunteered for the pep rally that launched the fun run on Oct. 30. “There was so much excitement at our Mad Dash pep rally,” Madison Elementary PTA President Destiny Wood said.

“We had special visitors from all over town,” Wood said. James Clemens Pep Band visited to provide lively music that lifted the spirits of students and teachers alike. In addition, the Jets Cheerleaders performed cheer routines that had the students’ spirits ‘pumped up’ for the fundraising drive.

Brad Travis, meteorologist with WAFF-48, delivered the race day forecast to the audience.

The Horizon Eagle, mascot for Horizon Elementary School, visited and challenged Buzz the Hornet, Madison elementary’s mascot to a race during the pep rally. The two mascots put aside their intra-town rivalry to show the importance of teamwork.

However, during their head-to-head race, Eagle tripped and fell flat-faced on the gym floor. Showing the value of good sportsmanship and character, Buzz the Hornet stopped to help Horizon Eagle stand up and finish the race.

For the Mad Dash Fun Run, Pledge Week was scheduled on Nov. 2-6. “For the day of the run, volunteers set up the track, marked shirts” and completed other tasks, Wood said.

During the semester, physical education teachers Patty Faust and Anne Clift had conditioned their students well to run strong and determined to run fast for the Mad Dash.

During pledge week, every student that brought in a daily pledge received a prize as a reward. PTA members and parent volunteers worked behind the scenes to organize and distribute the pledge prizes.